Patrolman Clarence E. Hamler, Chattanooga Police Department, Tennessee

Patrolman Clarence E. Hamler

Chattanooga Police Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Sunday, August 14, 1977

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Clarence E. Hamler

Patrolman Hamler was shot and killed when he interrupted a robbery on his way to work around 1:30 p.m. at the Red Food Store on S. Broad Street.

He had stopped at a grocery store to visit his brother when two armed robbers entered. As Patrolman Hamler rounded a corner, one of the suspects shot him in the head and neck. Patrolman Hamler's brother picked up his gun and fatally wounded one of the suspects.

The second suspect, age 53, was added to the FBI Ten Most Wanted List and was apprehended three months later. He was given a death sentence, which was later reduced to life. In 1956, the suspect was the first criminal to be sentenced to life under Tennessee's new habitual criminal act. He had spent most of his life in prison and had escaped several times. He was out on work release when he killed Patrolman Hamler.

Patrolman Hamler had served with the Chattanooga Police Department. He was survived by his wife and two sons.

Bio

Age 27
Tour 4 years
Badge 367

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender One shot and killed

robbery

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I don't remember it but my mother told me that at the age of 3 months Officer Hamler preformed CPR on me and save my life we lived on Doddson Ave around Daisy St at that time I was born March of 1977 my mother gave me a scrap book she made of Offier Hamler but I lost it in a house fire and my mother passed away July 2024 I became an EMT in 2004 and a paramedic in 2014 serving till 2019 when I finally had to give up due to back surgery in 2014 then I worked for City of Chattanooga Public Works till 2023

Curtiss Harris

December 6, 2024